A Chabana Project

I have had this book on the art of flower arranging for the tea ceremony for years and have just cracked it open and have begun reading it. A wonderfully simple book about the history of this form of aestheticism of wabi.
As I have just started to explore my knowledge in this art I know a few things. Every month there was a suitable arrangement for the ceremony and February was considered the first month of spring in the calendar. There were flowers that were and absolutely not appropriate for the piece.
I have decided to reference the book for each month with the respected illustrations and adapt it to my own aesthetic and create something inspired by that for a full year.

So it explains though February is technically the beginning of spring flowers are still rare due to the cold temperatures, which I too found difficult so had to be resourceful.

The arrangement illustrated is that of sanshu or what I believe to take as cornus mas, and a single camellia  bloom which is a more southern zone hardy plant, neither on I have in my gardens. Both elegantly displayed in an Korean eared pot, on a black-lacquered board.

 So I had to improvise on my own using what I had available. I put a forced white quince branch with the leaves of begonia rex 'River Nile' (one of my favorites by the way) in a green glazed pot I made well over 10 years ago, stamped with a Chinese chop I made. All placed in a window sill on an wooden deck protector for potted plants.

I really had fun doing this and looking forward to 11 months more. I think it would be great if you wanted to all follow me and create your monthly chabana as well, perhaps even all have a tea ceremony together somewhere and all bring a chabana we created for it. If you do feel inspired just take a walk outside and be creative with the materials. Feel free to post your photos on are Facebook page. Happy Leap Year!

Outdoor Holiday Containers

I love creating these outdoor compositions that last throughout the holidays and beyond. With mixed evergreens, different types of berries, dried plant material and odds and ends I create unique festive arrangements tailored to a client or the architecture of the home or business.

The first few shots were containers I designed for clients whom are Jewish and loved the idea of winter containers so I came up with a sophisticated color palette of greens, golds and browns.

Magnolia, Yellow Holly, Boxwood, and dried artichokes and tree fungi, gave a fine detail to the compositions.

The next two are simple and classic containers that I prefer for my own decorating. Mixed evergreens with Winterberry and Pine Cones.

 

This next project was a fun one! This client owns a great hip clothing store in Boonton, New Jersey. I designed the containers out in front of her windows out of old shipping crates. I was a little stumped to what I could do for the winter season until I rolled up and saw her blue and purple Christmas balls hanging in the window.

It then all came together for me. The basic mixed greens were the base but I used natural and dyed blue magnolia leaves and purple eucalyptus and different purple toned glass balls. She loved it!

Apples and cabbage for holiday decorating? I think it really works and the little obelisks complete the scene. This was my sort of a take on a colonial country Christmas.

Now the following images are total colonial Williamsburg. Nothing says welcome like a pineapple and that is just what I did, along with lemons and clementines.

The home is trimmed in copper as well as all the lighting including the mailbox as well. The magnolia leaves and lotus seed heads pick up on those notes and the yellows and oranges make the whole thing pop. It is a bold rich look but suits this home.

 

Wreath Making Workshop

Its once again that time of year and I'm making wreaths like mad to sell at my different holiday shows and customize them for clients.
This season was a bit different for I offered my first workshop as Hort And Pott on wreath making workshop on Sunday at The Kincaid Farm in Boonton Township, New Jersey.

Students learned all the basics on making a wreath from scratch. All the different tools, materials and styles where discussed including specific techniques and even bow making (I prefer non bowed wreaths everyone has there own style).

The class ran for three hours and each student completed two completely decorated wreath to take home or give away and all the skills they need to make more.  We offered snacks and punch and played vintage holiday music. I think next year a little wine and cheese will be in order.

The class was a complete success with a few students signing up already for next year. I will definitely be adding more to the schedule for 2012 as well as workshops planned in Brooklyn and other locations in New Jersey.

The Beginning

I hope this company and site will help bring beauty and an aesthetic to your world.